Inside the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Exam

By Siddharth Shah

Graduate Assistant, University Marketing & Communications

One of the most important tests to take as an exchange student studying in the United States is an English language proficiency test. While there are many out there that CSU accepts (i.e. TOEFL, ATP, Duolingo, etc.) one of the more common ones is the International English Language Testing System, or IELTS as it is often referred to. The test was developed to evaluate the English language proficiency of non-native speakers in advance of their collegiate experience here in the U.S.

Candidates must grasp how to improve their IELTS score because over thousands of international organizations recognize IELTS results. Students could have trouble understanding the exam's scoring range, nevertheless. Each section’s raw score is used to determine the IELTS band score in a complicated manner. We've put together a thorough guide to earning a good IELTS score in the parts below.

Skills Required for the IELTS Exam?

The IELTS exam evaluates your ability in speaking, reading, writing, and listening. You should be equally proficient in each of these skills since you will need them all during your master’s degree studies.

Think about your daily schedule. You'll be listening in on lectures, so you should be able to comprehend what your teachers are saying. You will have to read a lot of in-depth specialized material quickly. Presentations and written assignments will be expected of you.

Your learning experience will be greatly impacted by how actively you participate in group projects and conversations in class. As a result, you shouldn't have any trouble speaking or understanding what is being said.

IELTS accepts all major varieties of native English, including British, Australian, and North American English. There will be a variety of accents among your classmates and instructors in the classroom. IELTS accepts all major varieties of native English, including British, Australian, and North American English. There will be a variety of accents among your classmates and instructors in the classroom.

Format For the IELTS Exam

The entire IELTS exam lasts for two hours and forty-five minutes. The Listening phase, which consists of 40 questions, will take you 30 minutes to complete. The 40-question Academic Reading component of the test must be finished in 60 minutes.

You have 60 minutes to finish two writing exercises for the academic writing part. Three segments make up the Speaking phase, which takes 11 to 14 minutes to complete. During the speaking phase, you will engage with an examiner.

Here are some tips to help score better in your IELTS exam:

1. Be Aware of the Evaluation Standards

You will receive a grade from your examiner based on evaluation standards. Spend some time learning about these qualities. You will have a clear knowledge of the skills you need to exhibit in your IELTS Exam thanks to the criteria. Additionally, it will help you pinpoint your areas of weakness so that you may put more emphasis.

For instance, you must be able to talk clearly and fluently in the IELTS Speaking Section without making any mistakes. You also need to have a variety of vocabulary at your disposal to properly communicate your thoughts.

2. Pay Extra Attention to Your Grammar

To ensure that your message is clear to the reader or listener, employ proper grammar. Therefore, if you want to communicate a clear message or idea to the examiner and raise your IELTS score, you must work on your grammar. Additionally, employing flawless language can help you to confidently and effectively convey your ideas. Your speaking and writing confidence will increase, making it simpler to raise your IELTS score from 5 to 9.

3. Develop Your Speaking and Listening Skills

The IELTS exam's listening section is crucial because it tests your ability to listen to and respond to outside speakers. You may quickly develop better listening skills by practicing daily. Online platforms are a terrific way to complete tasks fast and effectively. You must also spend time working on your speaking abilities in addition to honing your listening skills. Daily grammar practice will help you get better at speaking clearly and eloquently throughout the exam.

4. Develop Your Reading Ability

To impress the IELTS examiner and receive a high score, your reading should be clear and precise.

You can quickly enhance your reading abilities by regularly reading books, newspapers, and periodicals from a variety of sources.

5. Create a Study Plan

You need to have a well-thought-out study plan if you want to get your IELTS score. Make a study schedule that suits your demands and is relaxing for you. The tactic will help you gain valuable information rather than just going in blind. Additionally, it's important to recognize your weak areas and concentrate more on them while you study for the IELTS Exam.

6. Expand Your Vocabulary and Continually Practice

Your vocabulary and word choice matter a lot whether you're completing a written assignment or a speaking task. You must choose the proper words to convey your views if you want to win over the examiner and earn a respectable mark. As they say, "practice makes perfect," and the IELTS test is no exception. You must prepare and practice frequently if you wish to pass the IELTS exam in one sitting.

To improve your listening skills, you must have patience and pay attention to every word that is said. Your reading skills will get better with practice.

7. Ask IELTS Specialists for Assistance

You can find a ton of resources and guidance online to aid with your IELTS exam preparation. However, even with this information and support, you could still be unable to effectively prepare, especially if you only have a limited amount of time to do so.

You might benefit from joining an IELTS Coaching program offered by a reputed company to help you get ready for the test. This coaching is put together by IELTS experts that have a wealth of knowledge and expertise that may substantially help you finish your IELTS preparation more quickly.

8. Work at Improving Your Word Pronunciation

A. Read out loud.

B. Produce content on subjects you are enthusiastic about.

C. Write fast and without hesitating because every second matters; don't worry about the grammar.

D. Look people in the eye and practice your English in front of a mirror.

Keep practicing until you gain fluency, since it takes time.

Siddharth Shah is currently pursuing his Master of Information Systems degree at the Monte Ahuja College of Business at CSU. The specialized STEM degree program is designed to prepare students for careers as information professionals. Shah is from Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.